New look at Dakota Pines to launch this season

Class, elegance and simplicity are three words that Nicole Sindelar would use to describe the updated banquet facility at Dakota Pines Golf Club in Hastings. Sindelar is the catering and events director at the club.

"This is ten times the space that it was," Sindelar said.

The event center has recently been completely updated. The carpet that featured a forest green color and gold leaves was ripped out and replaced with a vinyl flooring. Everything was painted and new tables and chairs were ordered. The event center will now feature chiavari chairs, which Sindelar described as "every bride's dream wedding chair."

However, the event center doesn't just cater to weddings, they also host baby showers, banquets and other various events.

The great thing about the new look in the event center is that the simplicity allows every event to be unique.

Tara Weber, director of food and beverage, said the restaurant and kitchen have been updated, too. A partnership with the owners of Rudy's Redeye Grill and Lucky's 13 have made Rudy's at the Pines possible.

"We're doing a modern pub meets the old-time club," Weber said.

The restaurant used to be a supper club, but it has been overhauled to bring in a modern twist. Not only will the new paint and furniture give it a new feel, Weber said Rudy's will have a dedication to customer service going above and beyond.

The menu will include pub fries, pub nachos, flatbreads, salads, various sandwiches and some dinner items that will change weekly. A completely separate catering menu will be available for events as well. Weber said the food will be phenomenal.

Updates to the club extend beyond the banquet facility and restaurant into golf services, too. Ben Williams is the new head golf professional. He said guests will be able to utilize new golf carts this year. More importantly customer service will be a top priority.

"My philosophy, at every club that I've worked at, has been customer service," Williams said.

When people get onto the property, he said they will be taken care. Being that the golf course is open to the public, in addition to the membership side, he hopes to see many members of the community.

As for the golf course itself, Williams said it is always in nice shape.

"That's something if we get people on property, give them that top level experience, the golf course speaks for itself," he said.

Williams said all the dedication and time that people have put into the event center, the golf course and everything else has been incredible.

Sindelar agreed with Williams, adding that the changes and updates are something they are very proud of nothing that the facility is not the Hastings country club of the past.

"I think everybody is going to be very excited and happy if they come check us out," she said. "We would love for people to come give us a try; they won't be disappointed."

Dakota Pines hopes to be open for the season soon, but its opening is dependant on the weather.

Michelle Wirth graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2013 with a degree in journalism and web design. She worked as a web content editor for a trade association before coming to the Hastings Star Gazette in 2016.